Autopsy: UIW student shot in the back

Updated 4:44 pm, Thursday, March 20, 2014

Cameron Redus was killed Dec. 6 by a University of Incarnate Word police officer.

Cameron Redus was killed Dec. 6 by a University of Incarnate Word police officer.

Photo: Courtesy Photo

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Robert Cameron Redus, left, is seen in a 2011 photo posted on his Facebook page. Redus was shot and killed Friday Dec. 6, 2013 by a University of Incarnate Word police officer. The UIW officer was placed on administrative leave while authorities investigate the shooting. less

Robert Cameron Redus, left, is seen in a 2011 photo posted on his Facebook page. Redus was shot and killed Friday Dec. 6, 2013 by a University of Incarnate Word police officer. The UIW officer was placed on ... more

Photo: Courtesy Photo

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Officials prepare to remove the body of Robert Cameron Redus, who was shot to death by Cpl. Christopher J. Carter.

Officials prepare to remove the body of Robert Cameron Redus, who was shot to death by Cpl. Christopher J. Carter.

Photo: San Antonio Express-News / File Photo

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Law enforcement officers including some from Alamo Heights Police Department, leave the Treehouse Apartments after inspecting the apartment, above right, of Robert Cameron Redus, a UIW student from Baytown, TX who was shot to death by UIW campus police officer Chris Carter. Friday, Dec. 6, 2013. less

Law enforcement officers including some from Alamo Heights Police Department, leave the Treehouse Apartments after inspecting the apartment, above right, of Robert Cameron Redus, a UIW student from Baytown, TX ... more

Photo: BOB OWEN, San Antonio Express-News

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Mohammad Haidarasl, a UIW student, looks out his apartment to the parking lot of the Treehouse Apartments where his upstairs neighbor Robert Cameron Redus was shot to death by UIW campus police officer Chris Carter, following a scuffle. Friday, Dec. 6, 2013. Haidarasl lives directly below Redus and was asleep on his sofa next to the window, center, when he heard a struggle, yelling, and then gunshots. The motorcyle and bike at left, belong to Redus. less

Mohammad Haidarasl, a UIW student, looks out his apartment to the parking lot of the Treehouse Apartments where his upstairs neighbor Robert Cameron Redus was shot to death by UIW campus police officer Chris ... more

Photo: BOB OWEN, San Antonio Express-News

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Robert Cameron Redus, a student at the University of the Incarnate Word, was killed Dec. 6, 2013.

Robert Cameron Redus, a student at the University of the Incarnate Word, was killed Dec. 6, 2013.

Photo: Redus Family

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A friend of Robert Cameron Redus holds a program during The University of the Incarnate Word memorial service for Redus, the student fatally shot by a UIW officer, Monday, Jan. 13, 2013.

A friend of Robert Cameron Redus holds a program during The University of the Incarnate Word memorial service for Redus, the student fatally shot by a UIW officer, Monday, Jan. 13, 2013.

Photo: BOB OWEN, San Antonio Express-News

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Mickey, right, and Valerie Redus, parents of Robert Cameron Redus, stand by a marker that is next to a tree planted in memory of the University of the Incarnate Word student that was fatally shot by a UIW officer. Monday, Jan. 13, 2013. less

Mickey, right, and Valerie Redus, parents of Robert Cameron Redus, stand by a marker that is next to a tree planted in memory of the University of the Incarnate Word student that was fatally shot by a UIW ... more

Photo: BOB OWEN, San Antonio Express-News

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Jonathan Guajardo, Student Body President at The University of the Incarnate Word ties a gree ribbon of a tree planted in memory of fellow student Robert Cameron Redus who was fatally shot by a UIW officer. The school held a prayer service in honor of Redus. Monday, Jan. 13, 2013. less

Jonathan Guajardo, Student Body President at The University of the Incarnate Word ties a gree ribbon of a tree planted in memory of fellow student Robert Cameron Redus who was fatally shot by a UIW officer. ... more

Photo: BOB OWEN, San Antonio Express-News

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Ethan Redus, left, brother of slain University of the Incarnate Word student Robert Cameron Redus, shovels dirt on a tree planted in Cameron's honor on campus. The school held a memorial service for Robert Cameron Redus, the student fatally shot by a UIW officer, Monday, Jan. 13, 2013. Cameron's other brothers, left to right, Kris Redus, William Redus, and Everett Redus also took a turn planting the tree. less

Ethan Redus, left, brother of slain University of the Incarnate Word student Robert Cameron Redus, shovels dirt on a tree planted in Cameron's honor on campus. The school held a memorial service for Robert ... more

Photo: BOB OWEN, San Antonio Express-News

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A vigil was held Dec. 7 for Robert Cameron Redus. The ceremony began at the UIW Academic Convocation Center and then finished at the grotto.

A vigil was held Dec. 7 for Robert Cameron Redus. The ceremony began at the UIW Academic Convocation Center and then finished at the grotto.

Photo: Associated Press / File Photo

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Valerie Redus (middle), mother of Robert Cameron Redus is hugged by Emily Vaughan, a friend of the family as people gather at the University of the Incarnate Word grotto as part of the vigil for Cameron. Cameron Redus was a student at UIW who was killed by a university police officer. less

Valerie Redus (middle), mother of Robert Cameron Redus is hugged by Emily Vaughan, a friend of the family as people gather at the University of the Incarnate Word grotto as part of the vigil for Cameron. ... more

Photo: For The Express-News

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A vigil is held Dec. 7, 2013 inside the Academic Convocation Center for Robert Cameron Redus who was a University of the Incarnate Word student shot and killed by an university police officer. Many in attendance either wore green clothing or a green ribbon as it was his favorite color. less

A vigil is held Dec. 7, 2013 inside the Academic Convocation Center for Robert Cameron Redus who was a University of the Incarnate Word student shot and killed by an university police officer. Many in ... more

Photo: FOR THE SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Derrick Bryant (middle), a close friend of Cameron Redus, hugs other friends and family members of Cameron's as they come to a vigil Dec. 7, 2013 for Redus who was a University of the Incarnate Word student shot and killed by an university police officer. Many in attendance either wore green clothing or a green ribbon as it was his favorite color. less

Derrick Bryant (middle), a close friend of Cameron Redus, hugs other friends and family members of Cameron's as they come to a vigil Dec. 7, 2013 for Redus who was a University of the Incarnate Word student ... more

Photo: For The Express-News

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Miriam Thomas (left) tries to light Megan Gaitan's candle Dec. 7, 2013 as they prepare to walk from the University of Incarnate Word Academic Convocation Center to the grotto as a vigil is held for Robert Cameron Redus who was a UIW student shot and killed by an university police officer. Many in attendance either wore green clothing or a green ribbon as it was his favorite color. less

Miriam Thomas (left) tries to light Megan Gaitan's candle Dec. 7, 2013 as they prepare to walk from the University of Incarnate Word Academic Convocation Center to the grotto as a vigil is held for Robert ... more

Photo: FOR THE SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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University of the Incarnate Word students Miriam Thomas, 20, (left) and Jonathan Guajardo, 22, answer questions from the media, Monday Dec. 9, 2013, after a press conference on the shooting death, by a campus officer Friday, of their friend Robert Cameron Redus, 23,. less

University of the Incarnate Word students Miriam Thomas, 20, (left) and Jonathan Guajardo, 22, answer questions from the media, Monday Dec. 9, 2013, after a press conference on the shooting death, by a campus ... more

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

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Mickey and Valerie Redus look at a photo of their son, Robert Cameron Redus, the University of the Incarnate Word student who was shot and killed by a campus police officer. A reader wonders what happened to police-issued tasers, which could decrease the number of police-involved deaths. less

Mickey and Valerie Redus look at a photo of their son, Robert Cameron Redus, the University of the Incarnate Word student who was shot and killed by a campus police officer. A reader wonders what happened to ... more

Photo: Albert Villegas / Baytown Sun

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Friends and family of Cameron Redus leave Memorial Baptist Church after the funeral service for Redus in Baytown, Texas on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013. Redus died of gunshot wounds from a University of Incarnate Word campus policeman last Friday. Family and friends gathered at the church to pay their last respects to the 23-year-old. Green was Redus' favorite color and classmates made 700 ribbons to pass out to mourners at the service. less

Friends and family of Cameron Redus leave Memorial Baptist Church after the funeral service for Redus in Baytown, Texas on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013. Redus died of gunshot wounds from a University of Incarnate ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

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An image of Cameron Redus is carried away after a funeral service for Redus at Memorial Baptist Church in Baytown, Texas on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013. Redus died of gunshot wounds from a University of Incarnate Word campus policeman last Friday. Family and friends gathered at the church to pay their last respects to the 23-year-old. Green was Redus' favorite color and classmates made 700 ribbons to pass out to mourners at the service. less

An image of Cameron Redus is carried away after a funeral service for Redus at Memorial Baptist Church in Baytown, Texas on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013. Redus died of gunshot wounds from a University of Incarnate ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

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Mickey Redus (center), father of Cameron Redus, consoles a mourner while walking toward Memorial Baptist Church for funeral services for Cameron in Baytown, Texas on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013. Cameron died of gunshot wounds from a University of Incarnate Word campus policeman last Friday. Family and friends gathered at the church to pay their last respects to the 23-year-old. less

Mickey Redus (center), father of Cameron Redus, consoles a mourner while walking toward Memorial Baptist Church for funeral services for Cameron in Baytown, Texas on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013. Cameron died of ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

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Kris Redus (center), a brother of Cameron Redus, receives a hug in front of Memorial Baptist Church for funeral services for Cameron in Baytown, Texas on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013. Cameron died of gunshot wounds from a University of Incarnate Word campus policeman last Friday. Family and friends gathered at the church to pay their last respects to the 23-year-old. less

Kris Redus (center), a brother of Cameron Redus, receives a hug in front of Memorial Baptist Church for funeral services for Cameron in Baytown, Texas on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013. Cameron died of gunshot wounds ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

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Johnathan Guajardo, a school classmate of Cameron Redus, wears a green tie and ribbon in memory of Redus before a funeral service at Memorial Baptist Church in Baytown, Texas on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013. Cameron died of gunshot wounds from a University of Incarnate Word campus policeman last Friday. Family and friends gathered at the church to pay their last respects to the 23-year-old. Green was Redus' favorite color and classmates made 700 ribbons to pass out to mourners at the service. less

Johnathan Guajardo, a school classmate of Cameron Redus, wears a green tie and ribbon in memory of Redus before a funeral service at Memorial Baptist Church in Baytown, Texas on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013. Cameron ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

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Friends and family of Cameron Redus enter Memorial Baptist Church for Redus' funeral service in Baytown, Texas on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013. Redus died of gunshot wounds from a University of Incarnate Word campus policeman last Friday. Family and friends gathered at the church to pay their last respects to the 23-year-old. Green was Redus' favorite color and classmates made 700 ribbons to pass out to mourners at the service. less

Friends and family of Cameron Redus enter Memorial Baptist Church for Redus' funeral service in Baytown, Texas on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013. Redus died of gunshot wounds from a University of Incarnate Word campus ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

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Robert Cameron Redus' brothers Everette (left) and Kris hold a photo of their brother in the Atacama desert while he was on a trip to Chile.

Robert Cameron Redus' brothers Everette (left) and Kris hold a photo of their brother in the Atacama desert while he was on a trip to Chile.

Photo: Albert Villegas / Baytown Sun

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Valerie Redus, mother of Cameron Redus, receives a hug from close family friend Mark Hall after a funeral service for Cameron at Memorial Baptist Church in Baytown, Texas on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013. Cameron died of gunshot wounds from a University of Incarnate Word campus policeman last Friday. Family and friends gathered at the church to pay their last respects to the 23-year-old. Green was Redus' favorite color and classmates made 700 ribbons to pass out to mourners at the service. less

Valerie Redus, mother of Cameron Redus, receives a hug from close family friend Mark Hall after a funeral service for Cameron at Memorial Baptist Church in Baytown, Texas on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013. Cameron ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

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Alamo Heights Police Lt. Cindy Pruitt reads a statement to the media Friday December 6, 2013 about a fatal shooting incident involving a University of Incarnate Word police officer that took place in Alamo Heights on the 100 block of Grandview. The fatal shooting took place about 2:00 a.m. Friday December 6, 2013 at the Treehouse Apartments after a traffic stop. The deceased suspect driver has been identified as Robert Cameron Redus, a 23-year-old University of the Incarnate Word student. The press conference took place at Alamo Heights city offices at 1248 Austin Highway. less

Alamo Heights Police Lt. Cindy Pruitt reads a statement to the media Friday December 6, 2013 about a fatal shooting incident involving a University of Incarnate Word police officer that took place in Alamo ... more

Photo: SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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A note for the Redus family with a charm and a rose was placed outside the apartment of Robert Cameron Redus, a UIW student from Baytown, TX, who was shot to death by UIW campus police officer Chris Carter. Friday, Dec. 6, 2013. less

A note for the Redus family with a charm and a rose was placed outside the apartment of Robert Cameron Redus, a UIW student from Baytown, TX, who was shot to death by UIW campus police officer Chris Carter. ... more

Photo: BOB OWEN, San Antonio Express-News

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Autopsy: UIW student shot in the back

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SAN ANTONIO — University of the Incarnate Word student Cameron Redus was shot five times — including once in the back — during a fatal altercation with a campus police officer last year, according to an autopsy report released Thursday by the Bexar County Medical Examiner's office.

A toxicology test also showed Redus had a blood alcohol content of .155, nearly twice the legal limit to drive, when authorities say he fought UIW officer Christopher Carter on Dec. 6 in the parking lot of Redus' off-campus apartment complex near Incarnate Word.

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Hall said they're trying to understand how Redus could be shot in the back when a separate police report stated that Redus' body had been found lying on his back.

The Dec. 7 autopsy conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Peacock found that five bullets had struck Redus in the left eye, upper chest, left elbow, right hip and upper back. The report didn't say which wounds came first, but it concluded that the shot to the back was the “most immediately lethal.”

At a past press conference, Alamo Heights Police Chief Richard Pruitt said Carter was driving on Broadway in a marked UIW police pickup truck when he spotted another truck being driven erratically. It was in the early morning hours of Dec. 6, and Carter saw the truck strike a curb and swerve briefly into the oncoming lanes.

Carter followed the suspected drunken driver. He was outside his jurisdiction, but Carter was a licensed peace officer authorized to arrest DWI suspects anywhere in Texas.

The officer followed Redus and activated the emergency lights of his police truck near the Treehouse Apartments, where Redus parked and got out of his vehicle.

The dash cam of Carter's truck didn't record video of the altercation, but Carter was wearing a microphone that recorded audio. Pruitt said the recording captured Carter asking Redus to stop and put his hands on the truck. Redus complied, but began to struggle when Carter started to handcuff him, Pruitt said.

During the six-minute confrontation, Carter told Redus 14 times to put his hands behind his back and told him three times that he was under arrest, Pruitt said. Carter told Redus to stop resisting 56 times, Pruitt said.

Redus at one point grabbed Carter's police baton and struck the officer with it, authorities said.

Carter regained control of the baton and Redus broke free. Pruitt said Carter drew his handgun, ordered Redus to stop, and Redus charged him with his hand raised. Carter fired six times.

For more on this story, visit ExpressNews.com or the Friday's print edition of the Express-News.